American University Human Rights Essay Award 2027

Overview

The American University Human Rights Essay Award 2027 is an annual award sponsored by the Academy to encourage academic articles in the field of international human rights law. The 2027 topic is Democracy, Human Rights and Participation. Participants may choose any subject related to this topic, but the essay must correspond directly to the 2027 theme or it will be disqualified. The organisers consider international human rights law to include international humanitarian law and international criminal law.

What you get

The Academy grants two awards: one for the best article in English and one for the best article in Spanish. Each consists of a full tuition scholarship to the Program of Advanced Studies on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, for either the Diploma or Certificate of Attendance option. Travel, housing and per diem living expenses are not included.

The two best articles and the four honourable mentions may also be published in the American University International Law Review, a journal that receives about 1,500 submissions each year and publishes legal research from professors, judges, lawyers and renowned scholars.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a law degree, such as a Juris Doctor (J.D.), Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or equivalent, and show experience or interest in international human rights law.

Requirements

The essay must be an academic legal article with proper citations and source references, and its scope must directly address the 2027 topic.

Key dates

Essays must be submitted by February 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Washington, DC (GMT-4) time. No essay submitted after that deadline will be considered.